John became aware of Sarah in January 2022. John initiated things with a Facebook message inviting Sarah to lead Bible study the week of summer camp John directs. Of course, Sarah never responded (it wasn’t personal she’s not the best at checking Facebook). John was persistent and after a couple of days, he tried email which she responded to professionally. Two weeks later they both were sponsors for their church's youth groups at a weekend retreat in the Rocky Mountains. Luck would have it that Sarah’s group sat in front of John’s the first night. Wasting no time he introduced himself. Sarah was instantly smitten. After a weekend of conversation, a little flirting, and a failed attempt to go on a hike together they both felt the spark! When they got home Sarah reached out with some "follow-up questions" about camp and they scheduled a zoom. After talking for 2 hours (only 10 minutes about camp) they were hooked. The rest of the story is filled with a lot of laughter, meeting the important people in each other's lives, quite a bit of travel, supporting each other through challenging moments, and deep love!

Sarah and John have been intentional throughout their relationship. They continued that to their engagement! John made Sarah breakfast that morning. They went for a walk along the Big Blue River to check on John's cows and calves. That afternoon they finished the movie they started the night before (Sarah struggles to stay up late). That afternoon Sarah shared a letter she had written with the things she loved about John and the reasons she wanted to spend her life with him. She then gifted him a bracelet. Later that evening John needed Sarah to "get some things from the store." When she returned John had nicely set the table and was making appetizers. Sarah was sent to get dressed up. Once she was changed she took over cooking the rest of dinner. During their meal, they talked about their dreams and hopes for a life together. At the end of their meal, John shared with Sarah a letter he had written, got on one knee, and ask her to marry him. She of course said YES! Then promptly asked if John would marry her. He said yes!